Orthodontics Gold Coast

Yes, many private health insurance plans cover dental braces, but the level of coverage depends on your policy.

Here’s what you should know

• Extras Cover: Braces and other orthodontic treatments are typically included under extras cover (not hospital cover). You’ll need to check if your policy includes orthodontic benefits, since companies differ in their inclusions.
• Lifetime Limits: Most funds have a lifetime limit for orthodontic treatment, meaning there’s a maximum amount they will pay over your lifetime for braces, regardless of how many times you have treatment.
• Waiting Periods: A 12-month waiting period is standard before you can claim benefits for orthodontics.
• Gap Payments: Even with cover, there is often a gap payment, especially for comprehensive treatment. However, Amazing Smiles Gold Coast offers flexible payment plans to help manage these out-of-pocket expenses.

To know exactly how much your health fund will cover, it’s best to contact your provider directly or book a free initial orthodontic consultation with Amazing Smiles Orthodontics Gold Coast, where we can help you understand your entitlements and provide a personalised treatment quote.

In Australia, braces are generally not covered by Medicare for most patients, as orthodontic treatment is considered elective or cosmetic and not medically necessary in the public health system.

However, there are limited exceptions:

• Children’s Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): This government program offers eligible children up to $1,132 for basic dental care over two years. Orthodontics (like braces) is not included in this scheme.
• Public Hospital Orthodontic Services: In rare cases, if there is a severe medical need—such as cleft palate, jaw deformities, or functional impairment—orthodontic treatment may be available through public hospitals. However, access is limited, eligibility criteria are strict, and waiting lists are long.

If affordability is a concern, Amazing Smiles Orthodontics Gold Coast offers flexible payment options and complimentary consultations to help patients explore treatment pathways without upfront pressure.

The length of time you’ll need to wear braces varies depending on the complexity of your case, your age, and the type of orthodontic treatment used. On average, most patients wear braces for 12 to 36 months.

Factors that influence treatment duration include:

• Severity of misalignment or bite issues: More complex cases take longer to correct.
• Type of braces: Traditional metal braces often work faster for complex cases, while clear aligners may take longer for certain issues.
• Age: Younger patients typically see quicker results because their jaws are still developing.
• Patient compliance: Attending regular appointments and following your orthodontist’s advice (e.g., wearing elastics or retainers) can shorten treatment time.

After your braces are removed, you’ll likely need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting back.

At Amazing Smiles Orthodontics Gold Coast, we provide personalised treatment plans, and during your free initial consultation, our team can give you a more accurate estimate based on your specific needs.

The wire placed behind the teeth after braces is called a permanent retainer or fixed retainer. It is a thin, custom-fitted wire that is bonded to the back of the front teeth, usually on the lower jaw (and sometimes the upper jaw), to help maintain tooth alignment after orthodontic treatment.

Purpose of a Fixed Retainer:

After braces are removed, teeth naturally tend to shift back to their original position. A fixed retainer prevents relapse by holding the teeth in place 24/7, offering continuous support without the need for patient compliance—unlike removable retainers, which can be forgotten or lost.

Benefits:

• Invisible from the front, offering a discreet solution
• No need to remember to wear it, as it stays in place
• Ideal for long-term stability, especially for lower front teeth that are more prone to shifting

Care and Maintenance:

While effective, fixed retainers require good oral hygiene. Food and plaque can accumulate around the wire, so daily flossing with special floss threaders and regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent tartar buildup and gum issues.

At Amazing Smiles Orthodontics Gold Coast, we often recommend fixed retainers after braces to help you maintain your beautifully aligned smile for years to come.

Dental braces are not typically painful, but it’s normal to experience some discomfort—especially during the initial stages of treatment or after adjustments.

What to Expect when getting braces:

• Initial Fitting: When braces are first applied, you may feel tightness or pressure on your teeth. This is your mouth adjusting to the new appliance.
• After Adjustments: Each time your braces are tightened or adjusted, it’s common to feel soreness for a few days as your teeth begin to shift.
• Mouth Irritation: Brackets and wires may cause mild irritation to the cheeks, lips, or tongue initially. Orthodontic wax can help ease this.

Managing Discomfort:

• Over-the-counter pain relief (e.g. ibuprofen or paracetamol) can reduce soreness.
• Eating soft foods for a few days post-adjustment can minimise pressure on teeth.
• Rinsing with warm salt water can soothe irritated areas in the mouth.

Most patients find the discomfort temporary and manageable, and it often subsides within a few days. At Amazing Smiles Orthodontics Gold Coast, our team provides personalised care and guidance to ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible, every step of the way.